FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Welcome to our FAQ section. The following are frequent questions we receive from clients. Click on a question to view its answer.
PERMANENT STATUS IN CANADA
1. What is the difference between a permanent resident and a Canadian citizen?
Permanent residents / landed immigrants have the same rights and privileges as Canadian citizens (i.e. free health care, free elementary and secondary education etc.). However, permanent residents cannot vote and cannot hold a Canadian passport.
2. After becoming a Permanent resident / landed immigrant, do I have to stay in Canada?
Within any five (5) year period, a permanent resident must be:
- physically present in Canada for at least 730 days (two (2) years) in that five (5) year period, or
- outside of Canada, accompanying a Canadian citizen, who is his or her spouse or common-law partner or a child accompanying a parent, or
- outside of Canada, employed on a full-time basis by a Canadian business, or
- an accompanying spouse, common-law partner or child of a permanent resident, who is outside Canada and is employed as a full-time basis by a Canadian business.
3. How can I become a permanent resident of Canada?
You must meet the requirements of one of three immigration classes: Independent/Skilled Worker Class, Family Class or Business Class. Please refer to our “Immigration to Canada” section to get more details.
TEMPORARY STATUS IN CANADA - VISITING CANADA
1. What is the difference between a single-entry visa and a multiple-entry visa?
A single-entry visa allows you to enter Canada once. A multiple-entry visa allows you to enter Canada several times during the period while your visa is valid.
2. For how long can I visit Canada?
When you arrive at the point of entry in Canada, an officer will make sure you meet the requirements to enter Canada and authorize your stay by placing a stamp in your passport and/or issuing an additional document. If there is no stamp, a handwritten date or document in your passport, you have the right to stay in Canada for six months from the day you arrived in Canada.
3. Can I extend my stay in Canada?
If you decide to stay longer in Canada, you can apply for an extension. You must send your application to extend your stay at least 30 days before your Temporary Resident Visa expires.
TEMPORARY STATUS IN CANADA - STUDY PERMITS
1. Do I need a study permit to study in Canada?
Most students need a study permit to study in Canada. In most cases, you must apply for a study permit before coming to Canada.
2. How do I start the application?
You must have a letter of acceptance from a school, college, university or other educational institution in Canada before you can apply for a study permit.
3. Can you help me in my search for a school?
Yes, we can provide you with useful information about schools and available programs.
TEMPORARY STATUS IN CANADA - WORK PERMITS
1. Do I need a work permit to work in Canada?
A work permit is needed for most temporary jobs in Canada, though for some positions and business people it is not necessary. Please contact us for more information.
2. Can I apply for a work permit from within Canada?
In most cases, you have to apply for a work permit from outside Canada.
3. If I want to work in Quebec, do I need any other documents?
If you apply to work temporarily in Quebec, you must meet all the federal requirements and you must get a Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (Certificate of acceptance) from the province.
CANADIAN CITIZENSHIP
1. What are the requirements to become a Canadian citizen?
- You must be at least 18 years old to apply for Canadian citizenship. Parents can apply on behalf of their children.
- To become a Canadian citizen, you must have permanent resident status (landed immigrant status) in Canada, and that status must not be in doubt.
- To become Canadian citizens, adults must have lived in Canada for at least three years (1,095 days) in the past four years before applying. Children do not need to meet this requirement.
- You need to be able to speak one of the two official languages well enough to communicate with people.
- You cannot become a citizen if you have a criminal history.
- To become a citizen, you must know the rights and responsibilities of citizens and some things about Canada’s history and geography, and about its political system.
2. Do I have to take the citizenship exam?
If you are aged between the ages of 18 and 54, you have to take the citizenship test.
3. After I pass the citizenship test, do I automatically become a Canadian citizen?
No, you need to take the citizenship oath to become a citizen. The citizenship ceremony is the final step in becoming a Canadian citizen. During the citizenship ceremony, you will take the oath of citizenship and receive your citizenship certificate.
